Separate Collection of Bio-waste – A Key to a Sustainable Future

From 1 January 2024, there is a requirement to separate and collect bio-waste from households and businesses. We have gathered information and tips to help you meet this requirement.

About
What does it mean?

Everyone must now separate their food waste. The requirements are linked to the introduction of Article 22 of the Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC) concerning bio-waste, which stipulates that EU Member States must ensure that bio-waste is either separated and recycled at source or collected separately and not mixed with other types of waste.

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Bio-waste
What is bio-waste?

Bio-waste is essentially all organic waste from living organisms that can be naturally broken down. According to the EU’s definition, bio-waste includes:

  • Food and kitchen waste (e.g. fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds) from households, offices, restaurants, catering, shops, and supermarkets
  • Garden and park waste (e.g. leaves, grass clippings, branches)
Why
What are the benefits?
  • Biogas production: Digesting bio-waste generates biogas, a renewable energy source that can be used as fuel or for electricity and heat production, contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Return of nutrients: By treating bio-waste through digestion or composting, important nutrients can be returned to the soil, reducing the need for artificial fertilisers and promoting more sustainable agricultural practices.
  • Reduced volume of waste for incineration: Separating bio-waste from residual waste decreases the total amount of waste sent for incineration, leading to lower emissions and more efficient waste management.
  • Promoting a circular economy: By converting bio-waste into new resources, we support a circular economy in which materials are reused and recycled, thereby reducing the need for new raw materials and minimising waste.
Who
Who is affected by this requirement?

From 1 January 2024, all EU countries—including every household and business generating bio-waste—must comply with the rules for separate collection of bio-waste. This includes:

  • Households
  • Offices
  • Restaurants, canteens, catering
  • Shops and wholesalers
  • The food industry (comparable waste)
Background
The 2035 goal

The Waste Framework Directive is EU legislation aimed at protecting the environment and human health by preventing or reducing waste and the adverse impacts of waste management.

EU legislation requires all Member States to achieve a 65% recycling rate for municipal waste by 2035. On average, bio-waste (food and garden waste) is the largest single fraction (37%). Separating and recycling bio-waste is therefore crucial to achieving the EU recycling targets:

  • 55% of municipal waste must be recycled by 2025
  • 60% by 2030
  • 65% by 2035
Why?

The simple answer is that we need to change how we use and manage our resources. The purpose of separately collecting bio-waste is to promote recycling, composting, and other forms of biological treatment to reduce the environmental impact of organic waste and use it in a more sustainable way. This is part of the EU’s Waste Framework Directive.

How should an office meet the requirements for bio-waste sorting?

Build Awareness

  • Education and Motivation: Inform employees and visitors about the importance of sorting food waste. Studies show that educational efforts and motivational campaigns strengthen recycling initiatives.
  • Create Positive Norms: By normalising and highlighting recycling, you foster a culture that encourages the right behaviour.

Make it Easy

  • Place Bins Strategically: Position food waste bins in multiple locations—not just in the kitchen. Put them near desks, in corridors, and in meeting rooms to make recycling convenient.
  • Smart Products: Choose user-friendly bins with clear symbols, separate compartments, and lids to prevent odours.

Highlight Recycling

  • See it as a Design Feature: Recycling bins can be both functional and stylish. Integrate them into the office design and choose bins in appealing colours.
  • Showcase the Recycling: Make the bins visible and prominent so that they serve as a constant reminder and inspiration to recycle.

How do TreCe products help to fulfil the requirement?

Our recycling products combine functionality with style and are an excellent choice for offices and public spaces. Designed to be visible, they contribute to environmental awareness and thus encourage recycling. With clear symbols for easy sorting and a wide range of colours, they adapt well to different interior styles and environments. In addition, many products are available with lids, perfect for sorting bio-waste.

Smart Design

  • Clear symbols
  • Easy to use and empty
  • Thought-out design
  • Lid to prevent odours

Elegant Design

  • Many colours
  • Designed to be on display
  • Suited to different usage environments
  • Can be customised with accessories

Responsible Solutions

  • Made to last
  • Repairable & recyclable
  • Recycled materials
  • Made in Sweden